ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—The Bethel University women's basketball team took care of business Wednesday evening by defeating St. Olaf College by a final score of 87-51. The victory over the Oles (3-17, 1-12 MIAC) was career win No. 300 for head coach Jon Herbrechtsmeyer, who is in his 16th season with the Royals (14-6, 9-4 MIAC).

BU jumped out to an early first-half lead due to an impressive 7-of-18 (38.9%) shooting mark from downtown in the opening 20 minutes. St. Olaf didn't hit a three in the first half and wasn't able to match the Royals fire power. Bethel's defense was also on point tonight as BU forced nine steals in the first half and held the Oles to only 19 shot attempts compared the the Royals' 32.



The defense continued in the third quarter when the Royals held St. Olaf to a six-point frame. BU took firm control of the game at that point and put St. Olaf away. Haylee Barker had a strong second half, making 4-of-5 attempts from the floor for nine points along with four steals.

Hannah Johnson had another strong performance coming off her fifth career MIAC Athlete of the Week award. She finished with 13 points, five boards, three steals, and one block. Jasmin Bretoi had a monster game off the bench, leading the team with 14 points. In total, BU's bench outscored St. Olaf's bench 35-16 to help close out the game.

St. Olaf's Keegan Mulvihill had a nice night, scoring a game-high 15 points. But the Royals were able to swarm her on the defensive end and forced her into nine turnovers.

Bethel is now 11-2 in their last 13 games and they'll make try to make it 12-2 in their last 14 on Saturday, Feb. 3, when they welcome Saint Mary's University—the opponent they faced when they started this impressive stretch—to Arden Hills for a 3 p.m. tip.